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The mobile app industry has taken over the digital landscape with more apps available than ever before. With such a high number of apps available and more constantly in development, the stakes are higher to create better and more unique applications. To keep up with the competition and constant changes in trends, new app features are often rolled out. While some new features can be a positive addition and a great selling point, others don't live up to the needs of users and can result in a poor-quality app experience. When developing an app, you want to be sure that you keep your users at the forefront of your focus when choosing what features to implement into your design strategy. While there is nothing wrong with trying new and exciting features, there should always be a purpose associated with them. Choice of features should always be at the discretion of the creator and developing team, but some features have already formed a reputation in the industry, and will likely continue to be seen as they currently are. Here we explore the best and worst app features so you can implement fan favorites and avoid those well known to be disliked.
It can be tempting to go overboard with your app design, implementing many colors, pages, and pop-ups. Yet, in reality, users have been shown to be more responsive to a simple design interface. This does not mean that you can’t use color, unique fonts, or imagery. It simply means that the app looks clean, is easy to navigate, and isn't overwhelming to the eye. When UX is too complicated, it can get in the way of the app’s purpose and lead users to think the app isn't beneficial to them. The minimalist style is favored by most and helps users focus on the important details while discouraging distraction. Some of the biggest brands across the globe have re-branded their mobile apps in a minimalist style to promote better user engagement. This is a must for a mobile app in 2022.
The ability to work offline is a huge plus for mobile apps in 2022. Integrating offline features increases brand loyalty as users can access your platform regardless of internet connection. This is a plus for any mobile app, but especially for those in the industries of food, travel, maps, banking, and productivity. There are endless situations where a user would need to access an app without having a connection to the internet. Whether they are traveling abroad, on an airplane or train, or run out of data for their phone plan - your access to offline can be the feature that separates your app from others. Not only is this feature a benefit to users for the sake of convenience, but the in-app storage can also result in faster load speed and less battery drain. If you want your app to be known for functionality and dependability, feature offline working.
Cybercrime is at a time high and app security is more important than ever. Not only do you want to protect your users through security features, but you want it to be obvious that intentional security measures were taken throughout the development stages. This means two-factor authentication, strong password requirements, data encryption, privacy options, automatic logout after inactivity, and biometric authentication. With cyber issues being so transparent, if your app feels unsecured, users will be quick to delete it. Set yourself up for success by implementing strong security features.
A few years ago, AI was pretty unheard of in the mobile app space outside of tech focused industries. Today, more industries are exploring ways to implement AI into their platforms to improve the user experience and app’s potential. Implementing AI features like machine learning can reduce human effort and make your app more interactive and customizable. AI features can perform in-app tasks like speech, automatic search, automatic filter, and decision-making. It can also help to create algorithms that tailor the app experience to the preferences of the user. Users have higher expectations for apps to speak to them in a unique and personal way, so AI is a strong solution.
Push notifications can be a huge tool in marketing your in-app services to users. However, these should be used sparingly and with intent. Apps that automatically send push notifications to users on a regular basis with no option to opt out will likely send users to the delete app button. Users are already living in an over-stimulated environment, and if your app continues to nudge them to use it more, buy new services, or log back in, they may feel frustrated. Any type of push notification or targeted message should only be used on rare occasions when there is an update to the app, a new opportunity that is relevant to the user, or important changes.
If your app feels like a giant marketplace for ads, it will not be successful. The days of traditional ads are gone and users no longer appreciate being overwhelmed with products and services that have nothing to do with them. Often times apps will pop up ads that interfere with the in-app experience, and it has been shown to push users away. Brands who opted to remove pop-up ads actually saw a higher increase in revenue over time. While it’s okay to monetize your app, it does not need to be in an invasive way. Users want apps to provide them with the service they signed up for, and that's it. Ads should be sent through email marketing or only if a user opted for the advertisement. Users have expressed that pop-up ads give an impression of lower quality, and in some cases even come off as unsecured or a scam. Avoid integrating ads into your app, and your users will be more likely to remain loyal.
If you only make your app available to iOS or Android, you’re missing out on a huge potential market. Apple and Android users are pretty evenly split and making your app compatible with both can ensure that your services are available to any smartphone user who wishes to use them. It will increase brand loyalty in the event a user switches platforms, and enable people to influence their peers to download your app, regardless of which platform you use. In today's digital age, trends are constantly changing and you never know which platform will be more prominent in the future. By developing your app to be compatible with all platforms, you don’t have to worry about a lack of access to users down the line. Developing a cross-platform app will set you up for success and enable your services to reach a wider audience.
It can be challenging to keep up with the trends and changes in the mobile app space. Invemo LLC has over a decade of experience developing beautiful and highly rated apps. We understand the development process and can implement your preferences while also adhering to industry-wide standards. We know what it takes to make a successful mobile app, so if you want yours to be the next, reach out to us for more information on our services.
